Russula chloroides
Blue Band Brittlegill
Status:
Uncommon.
Meaning 'reddish' - from the type example for the genus.
Cap:
5-15cm
Stem:
4-8cm
Meaning pale green (reference to the bluish cast on the stem apex).
Description
A species that on first glances looks like one of the larger white Milkcaps (Lactarius), such as Fleecy or Peppery. The obvious difference is this species does not produce milk when damaged. The key feature is the bluish cast at the top of the stem where the gills join, in some specimens it can be faint, and in photos it can be difficult to capture. The cap is often filled with leaf litter and detritus. The very similar Milk-white Brittlegill (Russula delica) does not have the bluish cast to the stem apex.
Smell
Not overly distinctive, some say slightly fruity.
Season
Late Summer to Autumn.
Habitat & Distribution
Found throught the UK with decidous and coniferous trees, with find it more often near Beech (Fagus).
Edibility
Said to be edible but must be well cooked.
Confusion Species
Spores
7.5-11 x 6-8.5µm, with warts to around 1.5µm with a few connectives.
Spore Print Colour
Pale cream.
Told from the very similar Milk-white Brittlegill (Russula delica) by having a bluish cast around the apex of the stem.
The similar large Milkcaps (Lactarius), Fleecy, Peppery and Blushing, all produce milk when damaged which the Blue Band Brittlegill does not.